Bryston 28 sst's vs Spectron Musician 3 SE ?

Hello Dev,

I did not say that I auditioned Bryston at LOCAL(!) dealer and on this basis I decided to compare them with Spectron. Its rather arrogant assumption and degrading statement.

Moreover, I was surprised with your bad mouthing Spectron:

"You are being very naive if you think this is the last amp and all you have to do is take a look at their past history, need I say more"

So, I looked. Firstly, a minute ago, I called Simon Thacher - yes, he can be called 7 days a week and I like it in the hi-fi cothe company can be called 7 days per week. According to him:

1 Musician III was introduced in late Summer of 2004
2 Musician III Signature was introduced in December of 2006
3 Musician III Mk2 was introduced in Spring of 2008

Secondly, each subsequent generation of Musician was done not to rectify some gross error but to improve sound and he suggested to see reviews comparing old and new versions.

Thirdly, each owner could continue to enjoy his amplifier or upgrade it to the latest. According to their web site, upgrade from Signature to Mk2 is $600+ For substantial sound improvement - reasonable, on my opinion

Fourthly, as per their web site even owners of old Musician II (10 years old???) can upgrade their $3k amp to about 85% of Musician III Mk2 performance for about $1.3k.

This constant upgradeability - for me at least, shows that Spectron is taken care of my financial investment in their product - it will not be obsolete even 10 years down the road and I LOVE this idea.

Mike

Mribob Quotes: "I am looking to replace my MBL 8011's powering my MBL 111'es; looking for 'warmth' in the highs, and more punch in the base; with detail and openness...I feel my current amps are not quite powerful enough to fully open my low impedence speakers; at 4 ohms..."
"
".....at least no one is recommending that I spend even more on the bigger MBL's; or more expensive solid state amps yet.."

You spoke too quickly, I was holding back because you mentioned that the 9008's may be out of your budget, mine too but I didn't let that stop me.

There really aren't that many reviews of the Reference Line MBL 9008A's available on the internet. Since I own a pair, I can tell you that the 9008's have the qualities that you're looking for above. They're a huge step-up from MBL's Noble Line 8011's. They have deep, tight bass, with gobs of resolution and detail, very liquid and coherent from top to bottom, with a very sweet and luscious midrange (however not the best that I've ever heard), and sweet highs. The sound-stage is very deep and wide with excellent imaging and focus. They have unlimited power with great micro and macro-dynamics. The harmonics and decay of the musical notes are stellar. They are also dead quiet. The best compliment that I can give them is that they are very musical and Analog-like, without imparting any electronic signature. I also can't imagine getting a better match for your MBL 111 Speakers.

Since, additional power cords, and cables could easily approach the cost difference between your budget and a used pair of 9008's, I think you should take them for a spin if possible, just to see if they're what you're looking for. You may also want to consider the less expensive MBL 9007's. Also be aware that the 9008's are huge and take up a lot of floor space.

You also asked the question; What we thought of Class D Amps in general? I like the Class D Amps so far, they seem like a cross between SS and Tubes, but at the moment, I feel like they are leaning towards the SS side. I also own a pair of Bel Canto REF1000 Monoblocks, and I think they're great. They are like the baby brother to the MBL 9008's; both sonically and diminutively, they provide plenty of pure clean power for their size, and they have many similar attributes; deep tight bass, very coherent and well balanced from top to bottom, with a slightly dryer midrange, and less sweet treble, with less air. The sound-stage is not as deep or wide but still big, and everything is just slightly less, but still very, very, good. Although, the MBL 9008A's wins out in every category, except in price, I feel as though I could happily live with the Bel Canto's and based upon what I'm reading, I would probably enjoy the newer Bel Canto Ref II model better than the original.

Now to the good news, the areas that many people felt were weak in the original $4000 Bel Canto Ref1000's including myself, seem to have "possibly" been improved on, in the newer $6000 Bel Canto Ref1000 MkII Monoblocks, however I've not heard these new Amps yet, nor have I ever heard the Spectron's..., however, I think that you should add them to your list... as you may be pleasantly surprised, and if you are, then you could save yourself a ton of money and a ton of space.

Rich

You most certainly did, Mike said "I have had opportunity to audition Bryston in the dealer showroom. Very good amplifier but it did not "touch" me." you need to re-read your own post above.

Now you are suggesting you did not say this please.

Mike said "I was surprised with your bad mouthing Spectron"

I have never done such, I have nothing bad to say about Spectron as per my posts I have not heard so you need to get your facts straight before you make such ridiculous accusations and misleading others.

I don't believe you ever heard Bryston 28 SQ mono's either.

Dev I read the same thing. Looks like u and I need to go back to 1st grade.

Hi Dev, Mike very clearly stated that his audition was not at the local dealer ( he even wrote "LOCAL(!)" to make sure you understand) - therefore he could not take Bryston amplifier home for home audition.

What is not clear to you????

Next, Mike understood your words: "You are being very naive if you think this is the last amp and all you have to do is take a look at their past history, need I say more" as bad mouthing. I think the words speak for themselves and everybody can judge as he or she wishes.

Regarding audition process - A few months ago, Mike started the thread asking about virtues of Spectron - you can find it somewhere here. He auditioned a lot of amplifiers - and choose whatever he choose.

Mribob - asked about our take on Spectron/Bryston and similar amplifiers and if we want we can provide out input. It will be Mribob, finally responsible for whatever he choose (I hope only after home audition - if possible!)

Thus, here is no need in personal attacks.

All The Best
Rafael